Natasha Stoynoff and Donald J. Trump
This profile summarises publicly reported allegations made by Natasha Stoynoff concerning Donald J. Trump. It draws on reputable reporting, public records, and court‑related documentation where applicable. Allegations are not criminal findings. Where responses or legal context exist, they are included. This page reflects the most up‑to‑date information available and adheres to the Felonotus standard format.
Last updated: November 19, 2025
Summary
Natasha Stoynoff, a longtime writer and reporter for People magazine, alleged that Donald J. Trump forcibly kissed her and pushed her against a wall at Mar‑a‑Lago in December 2005. At the time, Stoynoff was on assignment to interview Donald and Melania Trump in connection with an anniversary story. According to her account, Trump led her into a private area under the pretext of showing her a room and then suddenly pressed her against a wall and kissed her without consent. The incident, she said, ended abruptly when a staff member entered the room.
Stoynoff published a detailed first‑person account on October 12, 2016, during the presidential campaign. Her story was accompanied by six corroborators—friends and colleagues who publicly stated that she had told them about the alleged incident years earlier. Each spoke on the record.
Trump denied the allegation, strongly attacking Stoynoff’s credibility and claiming the incident “never happened.” Throughout the 2016 campaign, he dismissed multiple allegations of misconduct, including hers, as politically timed fabrications.
In 2023, during the E. Jean Carroll civil case, Judge Lewis Kaplan permitted testimony from Natasha Stoynoff as evidence of alleged prior conduct, alongside testimony from Jessica Leeds. This did not constitute a finding against Trump, but signalled that the court considered her account relevant within the evidentiary framework of the Carroll case.
Stoynoff has not filed a separate criminal or civil case against Trump. As of 2025, no new litigation or counter‑filings related to her allegation have been reported.
Key facts at a glance
• Alleged incident: December 2005, Mar‑a‑Lago, Palm Beach, during a People magazine interview assignment.
• Public disclosure: First‑person account published on October 12, 2016.
• Corroboration: Six named colleagues and friends publicly stated she told them of the incident shortly after it occurred.
• Trump’s response: Denied the allegation and mocked Stoynoff at campaign events.
• Court relevance: Stoynoff’s testimony allowed in the E. Jean Carroll civil trial as evidence of alleged prior conduct.
• Legal outcome: No criminal complaint or separate civil case filed by Stoynoff.
Timeline
December 2005
While working on a feature story for People, Stoynoff travels to Mar‑a‑Lago to interview Donald and Melania Trump. During a break in the assignment, she alleges that Trump led her to a private area, pushed her against a wall, and forcibly kissed her. She states the encounter ended when an employee entered the room.
2005–2016
Stoynoff continues working as a journalist, sharing the incident only with close colleagues and friends. Six individuals later confirm she disclosed the encounter to them at the time.
October 12, 2016
People publishes Stoynoff’s detailed first‑person account. The article includes contemporaneous details and background on her work with the magazine.
October 18–19, 2016
Multiple outlets publish reports confirming that six named individuals corroborated Stoynoff’s account, stating they had heard the story years earlier.
October–November 2016
Trump denies the allegation publicly. At several campaign rallies, he mocks Stoynoff and suggests the allegation was fabricated. His campaign issues repeated statements rejecting similar allegations.
April 2023
In the E. Jean Carroll civil case, Judge Kaplan rules that testimony from Stoynoff and Jessica Leeds may be presented as evidence of alleged prior conduct. Stoynoff testifies, describing the 2005 incident.
2024–2025
Stoynoff publishes follow‑up commentary and continues to stand by her account. No further legal action emerges.
Media coverage and documentation
News outlets covering Stoynoff’s allegations and subsequent developments provided extensive reporting throughout 2016 and again during the 2023 Carroll case.
• People — First-person account (October 12, 2016)
• People — Six named corroborators (October 19, 2016)
• PBS NewsHour — Corroboration reporting (October 18, 2016)
• CBS News — Additional corroboration coverage (October 18, 2016)
• ABC News Nightline — Stoynoff television interview (November 5, 2016)
• Associated Press — Coverage of Judge Kaplan allowing Stoynoff’s testimony in Carroll case (April 2023)
• People — Follow‑up reflections by Stoynoff (2024)
Responses and statements
Donald J. Trump
Trump has consistently denied Stoynoff’s allegation. He dismissed the claim as fabricated, suggested political motives, and attacked her credibility at multiple campaign events in 2016.
Natasha Stoynoff
Stoynoff has reaffirmed her account in various interviews and written pieces. She has stated that she initially kept the episode private due to shock, concern for her career, and the belief that speaking publicly at the time would have been futile. Her testimony in the Carroll case further emphasised her long‑held version of events.
Sources
People – First-person account (Oct 12, 2016)
People – Six named corroborators (Oct 19, 2016)
PBS NewsHour – Corroboration coverage (Oct 18, 2016)
CBS News – Corroboration report (Oct 18, 2016)
ABC News/Nightline – Donald Trump Accuser Speaks Out (Nov 5, 2016)
AP News – Trump calls rape claim “ridiculous” in video deposition (May 3, 2023)
People – I’m a PEOPLE Writer Who Was Physically Attacked by Trump (Nov 4, 2024)
Corrections
None at this time. To request a correction or submit documentation, email admin@felonotus.com.